Students’ minds on the move

LA Trobe University students have attempted to find new and engaging ways to get more people moving around the city using sustainable methods of transport.

The university’s recent CityStudio class had students develop a prototype encouraging active transport to achieve goals set out in the municipality’s Climate Change and Environment Strategy.

Town planning student Alex Hudson and his peers designed a community hub at the Bendigo Creek Play Space in White Hills, complete with shade, a water fountain and bike repair station.

“What we’re looking at is what would encourage people to either walk further or for more people to be using these trails,” he said.

“A lot of the time, people feel like they have to drive and anything that can encourage people to be more comfortable using trails and being active is a really good benefit for the city.”

Other student groups developed active transport campaign posters for the Hargreaves Street car park and walking routes from Bendigo Station to the GovHub, with each group asking for public feedback.

CityStudio coordinator Dr Melissa Kennedy said the program was designed to get students thinking about different challenges local government face in reaching strategic goals.

“Students have heard a lot from different users across the community, groups like Bike Bendigo, Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail and different delegates from the City,” she said.

“The biggest thing has been showing what can be done through these different techniques of getting out to the community.”

The students will present their prototype feedback to City staff tomorrow, and climate change and environment manager with the municipality Michelle Wyatt said it was a great way to get new insight on active transport issues.

“Encouraging the community to shift from car use to walking and cycling is a real challenge,” she said.

“The student’s ideas were great, particularly their interest in using technology to inform the community of their options and facilitate this change.

“We are keen to hear about the outcomes of the prototyping day and any learnings the students gained to help inform future City projects.”